Comments on: Spartan Football End of Year Report Part Twohttp://spartannation.com/2013/02/22/spartan-football-end-of-year-report-part-two/
Your Home for Michigan State, Big Ten & Detroit Pro Sports NewsMon, 30 Mar 2015 11:15:58 +0000hourly1http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1By: Tomhttp://spartannation.com/2013/02/22/spartan-football-end-of-year-report-part-two/comment-page-1/#comment-79452
TomTue, 26 Feb 2013 13:41:55 +0000http://spartannation.com/?p=28153#comment-79452Pete:
The football program DID prove that it's revenue stream can grow and help the university even more. The past two seasons led to record breaking season ticket sales, but that was just the tip of the iceberg. Donations increased, both to the athletic department and the university. For the 5th consecutive year, applications have increased, which is an incredible accomplishment in a state where the number of high school graduates is decreasing every year (gee, what changed 5 years ago?). Football success isn't the only driver in that, but you're kidding yourself if you don't think it's a big piece of it. It could be even more, with sustained football success at the highest level.
Some reference investments such as the new video boards. I agree, those are fantastic, but the BoT would have to have been completely incompetent to not approve them, as they were 100% funded by the athletic department (largely donations) and will easily pay for themselves within a decade (the Huntington Bank contract almost pays for them alone). What is needed are the investments that aren't hitting the administration right in the face. One good step is the expansion on the north end of the stadium. It will have a recruiting room and new locker rooms which will greatly improve MSU's ability to sell itself. However, you have to get recruits on campus to see it.
An example would be Montravious Adams. A very highly touted recruit in the 2013 class (some sites had him #1 overall, and all had him in the top 10), who was from Georgia. MSU's Keith Mumphery had a family friendship with Adams' family, and it gave Adams interest in our program. He stated he wanted to visit, and he did. He wanted to visit again, but after it fell through he never rescheduled. Why? Because every coach in the SEC that had a remote prayer of landing the kid were at his high school every single day they were allowed. MSU, on the other hand, who had natural interest from Adams from the start, wasn't able to get down there to help him reschedule his visit. MSU had a legit shot at getting a premier DT on campus, and simply couldn't afford to make themselves available enough to lock him up. These are the types of recruiting battles that can change programs when won. How many elite players did Auburn need to win a title? I'd say 2 truly elite talents (Cam Newton and Nick Fairley). We landed our best imitation of Cam Newton in Damion Terry, but we missed on the two elite DT's that we were in on. Who was the other? JuCo standout Kyle Peko, related to the Peko alums of MSU football, as well as Fou Fonoti. Unfortunately, he lives in California, which was a little too expensive for our staff to visit very often. Then there was Antonio Riles, the DE with an SEC offer list that would make any kid absolutely giddy, who was a verbal to Florida out of his hometown in Georgia. He was sold on the program and badly wanted to visit MSU, but when southern coaches are in your ear daily, and MSU coaches can only visit you a couple times per month (if that), it's going to be extremely hard not to be swayed.
These are the realities of the college football world; you have to spend some money to make money. If the investment isn't made, yeah you can win some games, but you won't be an annual B1G contender, and you'll likely never compete for a national title.
Does our administration truly want to win? If the investment isn't made, then we have to assume that they don't. I believe it's easy to see the value this football program can bring to the university, if the handcuffs were finally taken off.Pete:
The football program DID prove that it’s revenue stream can grow and help the university even more. The past two seasons led to record breaking season ticket sales, but that was just the tip of the iceberg. Donations increased, both to the athletic department and the university. For the 5th consecutive year, applications have increased, which is an incredible accomplishment in a state where the number of high school graduates is decreasing every year (gee, what changed 5 years ago?). Football success isn’t the only driver in that, but you’re kidding yourself if you don’t think it’s a big piece of it. It could be even more, with sustained football success at the highest level.

Some reference investments such as the new video boards. I agree, those are fantastic, but the BoT would have to have been completely incompetent to not approve them, as they were 100% funded by the athletic department (largely donations) and will easily pay for themselves within a decade (the Huntington Bank contract almost pays for them alone). What is needed are the investments that aren’t hitting the administration right in the face. One good step is the expansion on the north end of the stadium. It will have a recruiting room and new locker rooms which will greatly improve MSU’s ability to sell itself. However, you have to get recruits on campus to see it.

An example would be Montravious Adams. A very highly touted recruit in the 2013 class (some sites had him #1 overall, and all had him in the top 10), who was from Georgia. MSU’s Keith Mumphery had a family friendship with Adams’ family, and it gave Adams interest in our program. He stated he wanted to visit, and he did. He wanted to visit again, but after it fell through he never rescheduled. Why? Because every coach in the SEC that had a remote prayer of landing the kid were at his high school every single day they were allowed. MSU, on the other hand, who had natural interest from Adams from the start, wasn’t able to get down there to help him reschedule his visit. MSU had a legit shot at getting a premier DT on campus, and simply couldn’t afford to make themselves available enough to lock him up. These are the types of recruiting battles that can change programs when won. How many elite players did Auburn need to win a title? I’d say 2 truly elite talents (Cam Newton and Nick Fairley). We landed our best imitation of Cam Newton in Damion Terry, but we missed on the two elite DT’s that we were in on. Who was the other? JuCo standout Kyle Peko, related to the Peko alums of MSU football, as well as Fou Fonoti. Unfortunately, he lives in California, which was a little too expensive for our staff to visit very often. Then there was Antonio Riles, the DE with an SEC offer list that would make any kid absolutely giddy, who was a verbal to Florida out of his hometown in Georgia. He was sold on the program and badly wanted to visit MSU, but when southern coaches are in your ear daily, and MSU coaches can only visit you a couple times per month (if that), it’s going to be extremely hard not to be swayed.

These are the realities of the college football world; you have to spend some money to make money. If the investment isn’t made, yeah you can win some games, but you won’t be an annual B1G contender, and you’ll likely never compete for a national title.

Does our administration truly want to win? If the investment isn’t made, then we have to assume that they don’t. I believe it’s easy to see the value this football program can bring to the university, if the handcuffs were finally taken off.

]]>By: Petehttp://spartannation.com/2013/02/22/spartan-football-end-of-year-report-part-two/comment-page-1/#comment-79447
PeteSun, 24 Feb 2013 22:14:04 +0000http://spartannation.com/?p=28153#comment-79447Gee, if we throw money at our problems and pretend that we have resources that we don't have, the world will be a better place. How has that worked out for the government? Maybe some day the money will be there and the football program will have proved that it is as important to the fortunes of MSU as the football programs at Alabama, Michigan, and Ohio State are to their schools. Actually, the football program had a good chance to make their case in 2012. What happened? They fell on their face and lost every major game on the schedule with the exception of the Wisconsin game which Bielema gift-wrapped for us.
I'm reminded of a time when I overheard a shorter basketball player say to his friend that he could play as well as the guy he was watching if he were just a little taller. His friend quickly replied "Play with what you got." So do it, MSU football, "play with what you got" and if you don't have enough, make yourself better and stop complaining through channels. You will know how seriously Hollis and Dantonio want to win by how they fill the OC job. If it's handed to one of the position coaches, not much.Gee, if we throw money at our problems and pretend that we have resources that we don’t have, the world will be a better place. How has that worked out for the government? Maybe some day the money will be there and the football program will have proved that it is as important to the fortunes of MSU as the football programs at Alabama, Michigan, and Ohio State are to their schools. Actually, the football program had a good chance to make their case in 2012. What happened? They fell on their face and lost every major game on the schedule with the exception of the Wisconsin game which Bielema gift-wrapped for us.

I’m reminded of a time when I overheard a shorter basketball player say to his friend that he could play as well as the guy he was watching if he were just a little taller. His friend quickly replied “Play with what you got.” So do it, MSU football, “play with what you got” and if you don’t have enough, make yourself better and stop complaining through channels. You will know how seriously Hollis and Dantonio want to win by how they fill the OC job. If it’s handed to one of the position coaches, not much.

]]>By: Stevehttp://spartannation.com/2013/02/22/spartan-football-end-of-year-report-part-two/comment-page-1/#comment-79446
SteveSun, 24 Feb 2013 22:13:48 +0000http://spartannation.com/?p=28153#comment-79446While I can respect your suggestion, I don't have Magic on speed dial. Do you? =)
Is the only real option for me to get my excel documents and pie charts of comparing recruiting spending across the B1G and hang around Dan Gilbert's mansion hoping he'll both A) listen to me and B) be swayed enough to whisper into the right ears?
I still see the money-spent-towards-recruiting a problem that is wasted breath (or kilobytes) to a website dedicated to the normal, middle class fan unless a normal, middle-class solution is given for us to try.
Not trying to be negative, just trying to see the point, ya know?While I can respect your suggestion, I don’t have Magic on speed dial. Do you? =)

Is the only real option for me to get my excel documents and pie charts of comparing recruiting spending across the B1G and hang around Dan Gilbert’s mansion hoping he’ll both A) listen to me and B) be swayed enough to whisper into the right ears?

I still see the money-spent-towards-recruiting a problem that is wasted breath (or kilobytes) to a website dedicated to the normal, middle class fan unless a normal, middle-class solution is given for us to try.

Not trying to be negative, just trying to see the point, ya know?

]]>By: st8gradhttp://spartannation.com/2013/02/22/spartan-football-end-of-year-report-part-two/comment-page-1/#comment-79445
st8gradSun, 24 Feb 2013 19:00:50 +0000http://spartannation.com/?p=28153#comment-79445Steve- I think there is a way to change it. It's going to take the will of one person to say enough is enough. Find a few to help in the beginning and then take this message, with compelling, factual, benchmarked evidence to the people who's voice is actually heard. Those with money. The voices with money can make this heard, but they aren't going to do the leg work. Unless you find someone with the time and drive. High profile athletes like Magic, Gibby, etc. would help bring exposure and get others to buy in.Steve- I think there is a way to change it. It’s going to take the will of one person to say enough is enough. Find a few to help in the beginning and then take this message, with compelling, factual, benchmarked evidence to the people who’s voice is actually heard. Those with money. The voices with money can make this heard, but they aren’t going to do the leg work. Unless you find someone with the time and drive. High profile athletes like Magic, Gibby, etc. would help bring exposure and get others to buy in.
]]>By: Stevehttp://spartannation.com/2013/02/22/spartan-football-end-of-year-report-part-two/comment-page-1/#comment-79443
SteveSun, 24 Feb 2013 18:06:54 +0000http://spartannation.com/?p=28153#comment-79443Wanting to fix the problem is only as good as your knowledge on how to fix it. Likewise, knowing how to fix is only useful if you have the power to see your will done.
That being said, I ask the question. What good does knowing that the MSU Admins need to spend more do us, the fan base, if a solution is not offered? Perhaps a more positive ending to this part of your end-of-the-year analysis would have been to offer a solution that we, the fan base, can do so as to influence those same stingy pocketbooks you so bemoan.
Because I, for one, agree with your recruiting assessment. You, however, have a much better grasp on this subject than I, the simple ticket-holder, and I find it depressing to know the problem exists without much of a way to change it.
Am I alone in that feeling?Wanting to fix the problem is only as good as your knowledge on how to fix it. Likewise, knowing how to fix is only useful if you have the power to see your will done.

That being said, I ask the question. What good does knowing that the MSU Admins need to spend more do us, the fan base, if a solution is not offered? Perhaps a more positive ending to this part of your end-of-the-year analysis would have been to offer a solution that we, the fan base, can do so as to influence those same stingy pocketbooks you so bemoan.

Because I, for one, agree with your recruiting assessment. You, however, have a much better grasp on this subject than I, the simple ticket-holder, and I find it depressing to know the problem exists without much of a way to change it.

Am I alone in that feeling?

]]>By: Johnhttp://spartannation.com/2013/02/22/spartan-football-end-of-year-report-part-two/comment-page-1/#comment-79442
JohnSun, 24 Feb 2013 17:13:27 +0000http://spartannation.com/?p=28153#comment-79442Hondo, you've received more comments on this topic than any other in a long time. Clearly we are hungry for more than just the recruiting issue... The inside scoop on what's really going on. Sure we will help amplify a budget message, but surely more is going on than that. New DL coordinator, new Offensive Coodinator, QB controversy... What's happening inside?Hondo, you’ve received more comments on this topic than any other in a long time. Clearly we are hungry for more than just the recruiting issue… The inside scoop on what’s really going on. Sure we will help amplify a budget message, but surely more is going on than that. New DL coordinator, new Offensive Coodinator, QB controversy… What’s happening inside?
]]>By: John Ghttp://spartannation.com/2013/02/22/spartan-football-end-of-year-report-part-two/comment-page-1/#comment-79441
John GSun, 24 Feb 2013 08:33:05 +0000http://spartannation.com/?p=28153#comment-79441+1 from one John to another......."Hondo, I think you’ve been an apologist for a team of coaches who excel in defense, but don’t know their asses from a hole in the wall on offense. I’m starting to think that Cousins provided leadership not just to the team, but to the offensive coaches as well. Without him, they’re lost – no offensive unity, no creativity, and afraid to bump Maxwell out when it was clear he was digressing vs. improving. Please tell us otherwise with a reasoned analysis, and spare us with the belief that with more travel dollars we suddenly have an elite offense."
Yes it hurt losing all those seniors, but I know would've called a better "game plan" using my 20 yo high school play book. This offense had enough talent to win 10-11 games again, but had no idea how to use it. Cook should have started seeing meaningful reps against CMU & EMU when they were faltering. And, Caper should have been used more! After reading his post season comments, I'm not buying that he was injured. They just had NO IDEA what to do without Bell.+1 from one John to another…….”Hondo, I think you’ve been an apologist for a team of coaches who excel in defense, but don’t know their asses from a hole in the wall on offense. I’m starting to think that Cousins provided leadership not just to the team, but to the offensive coaches as well. Without him, they’re lost – no offensive unity, no creativity, and afraid to bump Maxwell out when it was clear he was digressing vs. improving. Please tell us otherwise with a reasoned analysis, and spare us with the belief that with more travel dollars we suddenly have an elite offense.”

Yes it hurt losing all those seniors, but I know would’ve called a better “game plan” using my 20 yo high school play book. This offense had enough talent to win 10-11 games again, but had no idea how to use it. Cook should have started seeing meaningful reps against CMU & EMU when they were faltering. And, Caper should have been used more! After reading his post season comments, I’m not buying that he was injured. They just had NO IDEA what to do without Bell.

]]>By: st8gradhttp://spartannation.com/2013/02/22/spartan-football-end-of-year-report-part-two/comment-page-1/#comment-79440
st8gradSat, 23 Feb 2013 21:55:08 +0000http://spartannation.com/?p=28153#comment-79440Izzo has earned his status. However, our state is typically very rich in basketball talent. So when we have guys in state like Glen Rice, Jalen Rose, Chris Webber, Magic, Terry Mills, Cleaves, Peterson, Bell, Richardson, etc., Neither UM or MSU had to look far for kids like in Texas, Florida, and California. The Buckeyes have always had their state on lockdown with Cooper, Tressel, and now Meyer.
I would counter that until this season, the offense had just as many playmakers as defense. Everyone is talking like this was our sixth year in a row of only 6 wins. Coach D is stubborn as hell. Saban admitted when he let go of the only one way to run an offense mentality, his teams improved. I agree with those assessments on strategy. But if our administration, and guys like Joel Ferguson still meddling in the affairs, and not enough money to compete then its awfully hard to beat three of the biggest names in football. Lets help get D or any coach the money they need to compete.Izzo has earned his status. However, our state is typically very rich in basketball talent. So when we have guys in state like Glen Rice, Jalen Rose, Chris Webber, Magic, Terry Mills, Cleaves, Peterson, Bell, Richardson, etc., Neither UM or MSU had to look far for kids like in Texas, Florida, and California. The Buckeyes have always had their state on lockdown with Cooper, Tressel, and now Meyer.

I would counter that until this season, the offense had just as many playmakers as defense. Everyone is talking like this was our sixth year in a row of only 6 wins. Coach D is stubborn as hell. Saban admitted when he let go of the only one way to run an offense mentality, his teams improved. I agree with those assessments on strategy. But if our administration, and guys like Joel Ferguson still meddling in the affairs, and not enough money to compete then its awfully hard to beat three of the biggest names in football. Lets help get D or any coach the money they need to compete.

]]>By: Johnhttp://spartannation.com/2013/02/22/spartan-football-end-of-year-report-part-two/comment-page-1/#comment-79439
JohnSat, 23 Feb 2013 18:22:47 +0000http://spartannation.com/?p=28153#comment-79439Yes, basketball is a different animal. But the cache that izzo has was earned, it didn't just shower down upon him. And we do get stronger defensive recruiting, and even not as good as UM or OSU, narduzzi and crew run an elite defense. So what's the answer to that?Yes, basketball is a different animal. But the cache that izzo has was earned, it didn’t just shower down upon him. And we do get stronger defensive recruiting, and even not as good as UM or OSU, narduzzi and crew run an elite defense. So what’s the answer to that?
]]>By: st8gradhttp://spartannation.com/2013/02/22/spartan-football-end-of-year-report-part-two/comment-page-1/#comment-79438
st8gradSat, 23 Feb 2013 18:11:59 +0000http://spartannation.com/?p=28153#comment-79438Basketball is a different animal altogether in recruiting. I think that should be obvious in the difference between an average of three vs 20 guys. Izzo has as much or more cache than Coach K, Williams, and Calipari if Calipari didn't have large unmarked sacks of cash. MSU has almost the pull of Duke, UNC, UK, and KU as a program. You're comparing apples to oranges. And yes, the difference in cash between MSU and the top tiers is a lot. Plus, they have bigger reputations on top of it. I call complete bullshit that Hoke gets more out of his players than D. If Mich and OSU didn't have 7 home games per year, they'd have to sell advertising space on each player they'd be so far in the red. That's how their model is built. I think it is short sighted for anyone to say that coach D should be able to compete in the backyards of the Mich, OSU, and ND without the resources to do so. That would be a tough task with even funds. We all need to put tremendous pressure on MSU admin to allow athletics to be as independent as possible. At that point, then judge Dantonio.
The fan evaluation of coaches on here is way off base. Ken Mannie for example is amongst the most highly regarded and accomplished people in the strength and conditioning world. His name would be amongst the top 5 that people in the field would regard as the best. I would like more in-depth from Hondo too, but without cash, nothing else even matters - and that makes absolute sense.Basketball is a different animal altogether in recruiting. I think that should be obvious in the difference between an average of three vs 20 guys. Izzo has as much or more cache than Coach K, Williams, and Calipari if Calipari didn’t have large unmarked sacks of cash. MSU has almost the pull of Duke, UNC, UK, and KU as a program. You’re comparing apples to oranges. And yes, the difference in cash between MSU and the top tiers is a lot. Plus, they have bigger reputations on top of it. I call complete bullshit that Hoke gets more out of his players than D. If Mich and OSU didn’t have 7 home games per year, they’d have to sell advertising space on each player they’d be so far in the red. That’s how their model is built. I think it is short sighted for anyone to say that coach D should be able to compete in the backyards of the Mich, OSU, and ND without the resources to do so. That would be a tough task with even funds. We all need to put tremendous pressure on MSU admin to allow athletics to be as independent as possible. At that point, then judge Dantonio.

The fan evaluation of coaches on here is way off base. Ken Mannie for example is amongst the most highly regarded and accomplished people in the strength and conditioning world. His name would be amongst the top 5 that people in the field would regard as the best. I would like more in-depth from Hondo too, but without cash, nothing else even matters – and that makes absolute sense.

]]>By: johnhttp://spartannation.com/2013/02/22/spartan-football-end-of-year-report-part-two/comment-page-1/#comment-79437
johnSat, 23 Feb 2013 17:19:13 +0000http://spartannation.com/?p=28153#comment-79437I'm prone to agreeing with many of Pete's comments... I have a difficult time believing that we got as far as we did in 2010-2012 by sheer luck; a temporary reprieve from mediocrity driven by lack of recruiting budget. I got it that suddenly the recruiting and the MSU Admin vs. MSU Athletics $$$ issue have become important to you, but please step back and give us something more significant about the dynamics of the team, the strength of the coaches, etc. Somehow, the same budgetary shortfalls have yielded a consistent top 10 defense under Narduzzi; apparently money only matters for offensive strength. Also, Izzo is one of the best coaches in the history of hoops. Am I to assume that the funding situation is different for him? Holy shit, he just missed Jabari Parker... MSU was in the running despite empty pockets. Or is it just that Anna K Simon likes basketball but not football? Despite the multi million dollar scoreboards? Or does the recruiting dollar excuse only apply when it's football?
Hondo, I think you've been an apologist for a team of coaches who excel in defense, but don't know their asses from a hole in the wall on offense. I'm starting to think that Cousins provided leadership not just to the team, but to the offensive coaches as well. Without him, they're lost - no offensive unity, no creativity, and afraid to bump Maxwell out when it was clear he was digressing vs. improving. Please tell us otherwise with a reasoned analysis, and spare us with the belief that with more travel dollars we suddenly have an elite offense.I’m prone to agreeing with many of Pete’s comments… I have a difficult time believing that we got as far as we did in 2010-2012 by sheer luck; a temporary reprieve from mediocrity driven by lack of recruiting budget. I got it that suddenly the recruiting and the MSU Admin vs. MSU Athletics $$$ issue have become important to you, but please step back and give us something more significant about the dynamics of the team, the strength of the coaches, etc. Somehow, the same budgetary shortfalls have yielded a consistent top 10 defense under Narduzzi; apparently money only matters for offensive strength. Also, Izzo is one of the best coaches in the history of hoops. Am I to assume that the funding situation is different for him? Holy shit, he just missed Jabari Parker… MSU was in the running despite empty pockets. Or is it just that Anna K Simon likes basketball but not football? Despite the multi million dollar scoreboards? Or does the recruiting dollar excuse only apply when it’s football?

Hondo, I think you’ve been an apologist for a team of coaches who excel in defense, but don’t know their asses from a hole in the wall on offense. I’m starting to think that Cousins provided leadership not just to the team, but to the offensive coaches as well. Without him, they’re lost – no offensive unity, no creativity, and afraid to bump Maxwell out when it was clear he was digressing vs. improving. Please tell us otherwise with a reasoned analysis, and spare us with the belief that with more travel dollars we suddenly have an elite offense.

]]>By: Petehttp://spartannation.com/2013/02/22/spartan-football-end-of-year-report-part-two/comment-page-1/#comment-79436
PeteSat, 23 Feb 2013 16:46:29 +0000http://spartannation.com/?p=28153#comment-79436I guess I expected an honest assessment of the team, its talent, its chemistry, its coaching, and its direction for the future. What we got was a Dantonio apologetic and a bunch of whining about money. The question isn't "Does Dantonio have the same resources as Meyer or Hoke?" The question is "Does Dantonio make the most out of what he has?" The answer, in my opinion, is "No!" and that's why the university refuses to "invest" more money in the program. When it comes to finances, MSU is on a par with Wisconsin and Iowa and is certainly above Northwestern, but we always seem to struggle to beat those teams and we rarely show the kind of team cohesiveness and coaching excellence that they generally display even though we generally have more athletic talent than they have.
Kids aren't as gullible and ignorant as you think. They just want to play for coaches who will give them every edge to win and excel. Winners get noticed. Players with skills get drafted and make lots of money. Dantonio's unwillingness to trust his players cost us the Iowa and Ohio State games and his unwillingness to reconsider his quarterback decision cost us the entire year. He seems to be perfectly happy to be known as a coach that can get certain skill position players drafted but, to win championships, he needs to recruit and field an entire team of good players and he hasn't done it yet. His coaching staff is a collection of nice guys who say "Yes" too often and have little or no experience coaching players into the NFL. Kids notice things like that more than trophies and tradition.
Don't get me started on Dantonio's decision to stick with the "pro style offense" which will doom MSU to third fiddle behind U of M and Wisconsin (and, possibly, Iowa). Mannie's wonderful conditioning program was largely responsible for the shoddy performance of the offensive line and the fact that they could not execute a hurry-up offense all year without getting tired and making mistakes or make a play on defense to finish off a game. Special teams were a disaster in 2012 and, with all the young talent MSU is supposed to have, Dantonio stuck with his favorites and they didn't improve the entire year.
Dantonio may be a nice guy. He may be honest with players and administrators. He may be a man of faith. But he is not a flexible thinker, he doesn't get the most out of his coaches and players, and he doesn't understand how to take the program to the next level. The question is; "Does the administration and fan base want it to go there or is MSU a basketball school?"I guess I expected an honest assessment of the team, its talent, its chemistry, its coaching, and its direction for the future. What we got was a Dantonio apologetic and a bunch of whining about money. The question isn’t “Does Dantonio have the same resources as Meyer or Hoke?” The question is “Does Dantonio make the most out of what he has?” The answer, in my opinion, is “No!” and that’s why the university refuses to “invest” more money in the program. When it comes to finances, MSU is on a par with Wisconsin and Iowa and is certainly above Northwestern, but we always seem to struggle to beat those teams and we rarely show the kind of team cohesiveness and coaching excellence that they generally display even though we generally have more athletic talent than they have.

Kids aren’t as gullible and ignorant as you think. They just want to play for coaches who will give them every edge to win and excel. Winners get noticed. Players with skills get drafted and make lots of money. Dantonio’s unwillingness to trust his players cost us the Iowa and Ohio State games and his unwillingness to reconsider his quarterback decision cost us the entire year. He seems to be perfectly happy to be known as a coach that can get certain skill position players drafted but, to win championships, he needs to recruit and field an entire team of good players and he hasn’t done it yet. His coaching staff is a collection of nice guys who say “Yes” too often and have little or no experience coaching players into the NFL. Kids notice things like that more than trophies and tradition.

Don’t get me started on Dantonio’s decision to stick with the “pro style offense” which will doom MSU to third fiddle behind U of M and Wisconsin (and, possibly, Iowa). Mannie’s wonderful conditioning program was largely responsible for the shoddy performance of the offensive line and the fact that they could not execute a hurry-up offense all year without getting tired and making mistakes or make a play on defense to finish off a game. Special teams were a disaster in 2012 and, with all the young talent MSU is supposed to have, Dantonio stuck with his favorites and they didn’t improve the entire year.

Dantonio may be a nice guy. He may be honest with players and administrators. He may be a man of faith. But he is not a flexible thinker, he doesn’t get the most out of his coaches and players, and he doesn’t understand how to take the program to the next level. The question is; “Does the administration and fan base want it to go there or is MSU a basketball school?”

]]>By: st8gradhttp://spartannation.com/2013/02/22/spartan-football-end-of-year-report-part-two/comment-page-1/#comment-79435
st8gradSat, 23 Feb 2013 15:48:08 +0000http://spartannation.com/?p=28153#comment-79435John- This year is the new normal if we don't get more recruiting dollars AND there aren't Greg Jones, Bell's, or Kirk Cousins within the MSU footprint. If there is a Charles Rogers in California, they might justify going after him, as his talent is a sure thing and they are willing to risk it. But they can't take a chance on someone who might be the next Greg Jones if they aren't in our backyard, or in areas where we are established like Florida or New Jersey, etc. This is something I never knew was an issue at MSU until today basically. I knew the University took money from the department, and didnt give tuition breaks, etc, but not to the extent that they do. This is definitely unacceptable and we will have to form an effort to change it.John- This year is the new normal if we don’t get more recruiting dollars AND there aren’t Greg Jones, Bell’s, or Kirk Cousins within the MSU footprint. If there is a Charles Rogers in California, they might justify going after him, as his talent is a sure thing and they are willing to risk it. But they can’t take a chance on someone who might be the next Greg Jones if they aren’t in our backyard, or in areas where we are established like Florida or New Jersey, etc. This is something I never knew was an issue at MSU until today basically. I knew the University took money from the department, and didnt give tuition breaks, etc, but not to the extent that they do. This is definitely unacceptable and we will have to form an effort to change it.
]]>By: johnhttp://spartannation.com/2013/02/22/spartan-football-end-of-year-report-part-two/comment-page-1/#comment-79434
johnSat, 23 Feb 2013 14:20:44 +0000http://spartannation.com/?p=28153#comment-79434Okay, got it. Need more recruiting dollars. So, talent was the difference between this year and the prior 2. And the recruiting budget was no bigger in the prior years. So, Coach got lucky for a couple years, but this year is the new normal until recruiting dollars increase?????Okay, got it. Need more recruiting dollars. So, talent was the difference between this year and the prior 2. And the recruiting budget was no bigger in the prior years. So, Coach got lucky for a couple years, but this year is the new normal until recruiting dollars increase?????
]]>By: Chris Yhttp://spartannation.com/2013/02/22/spartan-football-end-of-year-report-part-two/comment-page-1/#comment-79433
Chris YSat, 23 Feb 2013 12:39:34 +0000http://spartannation.com/?p=28153#comment-79433Hondo - great insights - thank you for sharing what is really going on behind the scenes. Great to hear what coach D has been able to do with his hands tied, disappointed that the university doesn't recognize the benefit of the program and make an investment. Question for - how we can we impact this most effectively with the administration? hate to just stand by and not doing anything, but unsure how we can affect it...thanks
ChrisHondo – great insights – thank you for sharing what is really going on behind the scenes. Great to hear what coach D has been able to do with his hands tied, disappointed that the university doesn’t recognize the benefit of the program and make an investment. Question for – how we can we impact this most effectively with the administration? hate to just stand by and not doing anything, but unsure how we can affect it…thanks
Chris
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